What I Had to Unlearn to Be Free – Some teachings were tradition, not truth.

Freedom didn’t come when I got saved.
It didn’t come when I started preaching either.

It came when I started unlearning.

See, I didn’t realize how much of what I believed wasn’t Bible—it was behavior passed down. Unquestioned rules. Taught patterns. Words wrapped in “this is how we do things,” even if it wasn’t how Jesus did them. And because I never paused to question what I was handed, I spent years living bound in the name of being faithful.

There were ideas I wore like a second skin:

• That questioning was rebellion.
• That struggle meant you weren’t spiritual enough.
• That silence in pain meant strength.
• That “being set apart” meant being emotionally unavailable.
• That honoring elders meant agreeing with everything they said.

But the longer I walked with God, the more I felt a quiet tension in my spirit. A whisper that said, “This isn’t Me. This isn’t freedom.”

I Had to Unlearn That Obedience Means Silence

There’s a difference between humility and hiding. I thought speaking up about church hurt was dishonorable. I believed being vocal about injustice meant I lacked grace. But Jesus flipped tables and still had compassion. He challenged systems while loving people.

Obedience isn’t silence—it’s discernment and courage.

I Had to Unlearn Shame-Based Spirituality

Holiness is real, but so is healing. Somewhere along the way, I picked up this idea that my past was something to always whisper about. That healing made you holy, but being honest made you questionable.

But Jesus never healed people in secret shame. He told the woman with the issue of blood to come forward. He told the man with the withered hand to stretch it out. He brought people out, not just to be whole—but to be seen.

I Had to Unlearn Performative Faith

There’s a kind of Christianity that exhausts you. Where you’re always trying to look free more than be free. I was shouting victory on Sunday and crying in silence on Monday. Posting scripture but struggling to even pray. I thought spiritual maturity meant pretending I had no battles.

But real faith isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just getting out of bed. Sometimes, it’s crying out to God in your car. Sometimes, it’s holding onto peace when everything is pushing you to panic.

I Had to Unlearn That Tradition Is the Same as Truth

There are things that are familiar, but they’re not foundational. I learned that if it’s not rooted in Jesus—it can’t hold me up when life gets heavy.

Some traditions are beautiful. But others? They were rooted in fear, shame, control, or ego. And God had to walk me through each one and say, “That didn’t come from Me.”

Freedom Isn’t About Breaking Rules—It’s About Breaking Agreement
It’s about saying, “I no longer agree with this lie.”
The lie that I’m not worthy unless I perform.
The lie that being quiet means being respectful.
The lie that suffering in silence is godly.
The lie that freedom is something you earn instead of something you receive.

Unlearning was the beginning of my healing.

Scripture That Helped Me Rebuild:

• “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (NIV)
• “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” – Mark 7:8 (NIV)
• “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)

I’m still unlearning.
Still peeling back layers that don’t look like Jesus.
Still healing from teachings that shamed instead of shaped.
But I’m freer now—not because I know more—but because I let go of what never came from Him to begin with.

Related Posts:

• The Stronghold Might Be Spiritual—Not Situational
• Stop Apologizing for Your Healing
• You Were Called for This—Even If You’re Afraid

Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.

District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Accounts Manager and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.

Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.

District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Accounts Manager and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.